Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, killed at least 60 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to Palestinian health officials.
The attacks targeted residential areas, including a family home and a school sheltering displaced civilians in northern Gaza, where 22 were killed. Central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah and Nuseirat refugee camp saw 13 and 15 fatalities, respectively, while strikes in Khan Younis claimed 10 lives. These casualties follow Israel’s expanded military operations over the weekend, including ground troop deployments and intensified artillery and air support.
Military Operations and Netanyahu’s Strategy
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed plans for Israel to assume “full control” of Gaza, framing the campaign as a security imperative while acknowledging the need to address famine risks to maintain international support. A senior Israeli official described the offensive as part of a broader “conquest” strategy, hinting at potential population displacement—a move condemned by the UN as “ethnic cleansing”. The IDF’s Operation Gideon’s Chariot, launched on May 18, has involved ground incursions into northern and southern Gaza, and has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation.
Humanitarian Crisis and Limited Aid Resumption
After a 10-week blockade that prevented food, fuel, and medicine from entering, Israel permitted limited aid into Gaza on May 19. Only nine trucks entered, a fraction of the 500 daily trucks the UN deems necessary to avert a famine. Netanyahu linked the aid resumption to avoiding images of “mass starvation,” which he claimed could erode diplomatic backing.
Broader Context and Casualty Figures
Since the war began in October 2023, Palestinian officials report over 53,500 deaths, mostly women and children, with recent weeks seeing a surge in fatalities. Israel asserts its strikes target Hamas militants operating in civilian areas, but evidence from strikes on hospitals, schools, and displacement camps has drawn accusations of indiscriminate attacks. For instance, the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, the last functioning medical facility in the region, was rendered inoperable after sustained bombardment.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Strains
UN Secretary-General António Guterres denounced Israel’s expanded operations, warning of “forced displacement” and famine risks. The UK suspended free trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers, while France condemned the blockade as a “disgrace”.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled
Indirect negotiations in Qatar between Israel and Hamas have yielded no progress. Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and prisoner exchanges, while Israel insists on Hamas’ surrender and controlling the Gaza Strip. Far-right Israeli ministers, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, oppose any concessions, urging a total military victory.